Butterfly Garden

 Its spring time!! Which means the Wild Animal Park has its annual butterfly garden and since Ela's favorite book right now is Fancy Nancy: Bonjour Butterfly we were so excited to go. Ela made sure to dress like a flower and Tasha let me put a butterfly shirt on her for the occasion.

 Despite me wearing my sweaty gym clothes, in no time at all a nice little orange butterfly landed on my bright blue shirt. It then proceeded up my sleeve and collar to almost my face which freaked me out. I know its just a butterfly but its still an insect and those don't belong on my face. I gently redirected it to my hand and got the girls to pose with it.

 Ela would not leave the garden until one landed on her and despite her excellent butterfly hand perch it wasn't happening. Finally I lifted her up and 2 landed on her hot pink hair ribbon but flew off before I could get a picture.

I normally only take photos with people in them but was taking pictures like a crazy person. It was such a beautiful garden! Warm and temperature controlled, surrounded by flowers and butterflies everywhere!

We like to bake and I cannot lie

My cookie baking helpers

I usually look the other way while they devour the dough because its so fun to have them as baking buddies. And check out how Tasha's head is cocked to the side just like her big sister's. I took 3 shots and they both did it every time. I tell Ela a million times a day to "be a good example" because Tasha copies everything she does, good and bad. Sometimes its helpful though because if Tash doesn't feel like listening to me she'll usually listen to Ela so I'm glad she's on my side.

Valentine's Day

Some friends had a super cute Valentine's party for the kids. There was lots of games and heart shaped treats. The girls wore their super cute heart shirts from Mimi and some festive tutu skirts.

 

 For dinner I brought home Phil's BBQ so nobody  had to cook and we wouldn't have to fight the crazy crowds. We decorated with twinkle lights and candles and lots of hearts. Todd got a card, some ribs and a chocolate torte and said it was the best Valentine's ever. He is so easy.

My torte. I'm no food photographer but it tasted pretty darn good.

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale

A tale of a fateful trip. Just joking. We tried to go whale watching. I took a Dramamine and everything but the waters were choppy and the vessel was unfit so we went to the Titanic exhibit at the Natural History Museum instead! It was amazing and followed by sushi made for a very ocean themed day. Thanks to Dave for making it all possible!

2 years old = 2 Parties

Happy Birthday Tasha! At two you are so grown up! You love chocolate, always copying Ela, climbing/jumping off of everything, Tangled & Toy Story and staying up with Mom & Dad after Ela goes to bed. You are so sweet, always patting my back and telling us you love us 'Dees Much!" I'm sorry your birthday is at such a crazy time of year but we'll make up for it by celebrating twice! (at least this year.)

Her first party was at Mimi's time share in Oceanside where half the Tanner family was staying while they visited which meant lots of family to sing and help celebrate.

 Her second party was on New Year's day with my side of the family at beautiful Crown Point. Ela even got Toro in on the fun.

The party guests.

Tash reminds me of the squirrel in over the hedge here. "But I like a cookie"...

No birthday is complete without a ribbon dance!

The Wild Animal Park

Condors are Cool!

For Christmas Gary got us all zoo passes so all 13 of us saddled up and hit the Safari Park. It was a bit hectic with strollers and kids and different peoples' opinions but we made it work and had a great time.

 

 Cousins in a coo coo's nest.

 Mimi got landed on by a Lorakeet at Lorakeet Landing.

Sweet matching sisters.

Its Christmas Time in the City

Christmas!!! We had the best one yet this year!!

 Ela in a pile of loot, all from Grama Shel & Grandpa Dave & Auntie Kelly.

 The weather was beautiful so we spent tons of time a la plage. Tasha is too cute in a swimsuit.

 Christmas Eve at Joe's Crab Shack with the Glaziers.

 Ela & Tyler picnicked under a table. They're such good buddies.

 The cousins! Ela's face is classic.

 We came out Christmas morning to Ela lining up and organizing her presents. She is sooo my child. She also requested to write a thank you note to Santa right away because she just loved all of her gifts and wanted him to know. Precious.

 She does smile! It took her until Christmas night to get opening presents and that she should be happy about them but once it clicked it was on.

 Christmas morning: the best smile we could get.

More beach! Christmas was so great this year I actually suffered a little postpartum depression when it was over. (Todd called me out on my grouchy and diagnosed me.) Luckily it will be here again before we know it!